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Ghana has opened its 5G market to greater competition after ending the exclusive wholesale arrangement that gave Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) the sole mandate to provide 5G infrastructure to mobile network operators.
The policy shift gives telecommunications companies greater flexibility to pursue their own infrastructure and spectrum arrangements as Ghana seeks to accelerate high-speed connectivity, attract investment and strengthen competition in the digital communications market.
Under the previous framework, NGIC was granted exclusive rights to provide wholesale 5G services to mobile network operators, with the arrangement initially expected to remain in place until 2034.
NGIC partnered with Radisys, a subsidiary of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, to support the development and deployment of Ghana’s 5G infrastructure.
The government has now revoked the exclusivity arrangement, opening the market to alternative infrastructure and spectrum models.
The change is expected to give operators greater control over their network strategies while creating additional opportunities for investment in Ghana’s telecommunications infrastructure.
NCA opens key 5G spectrum bands to competition
As part of the revised framework, the National Communications Authority (NCA) opened spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands for competitive applications.
The spectrum allocation process attracted participation from several telecommunications operators, including MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana and Goal Telecommunications.
MTN Ghana has already emerged as the successful applicant for two lots in the 700 MHz band after paying a combined licence fee of US$100.9 million.
The allocation process for the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands is also progressing, with the NCA expected to complete the remaining stages of the licensing process.
The move marks a broader shift towards a more competitive approach to spectrum allocation, allowing operators to develop their 5G strategies around their own infrastructure and investment plans.
Telecel plans independent 5G rollout
Telecommunications operators are already responding to the new market structure.
Telecel Ghana has announced plans to launch commercial 5G services on its own network in December 2026, signalling its intention to pursue an independent infrastructure strategy following the end of the exclusive wholesale arrangement.
Telecel Group CEO Moh Damush said the company intends to proceed with the rollout.
“We plan to launch the service in December this year on our own network,” Damush said.
The planned deployment could increase competition among Ghana’s major operators as companies seek to differentiate themselves through network coverage, performance and new digital services.
Competition could accelerate 5G investment
The removal of the exclusive model is expected to reshape Ghana’s telecommunications market by giving operators greater flexibility over how they deploy 5G infrastructure and secure spectrum.
Greater competition could also encourage network providers to invest more heavily in coverage, network capacity and service innovation as they compete for consumers and businesses.
For consumers, the expansion of competing 5G networks could translate into greater choice and improved access to high-speed mobile connectivity.
The NCA has said the spectrum allocation process is intended to support faster data speeds, lower latency and improved connectivity for consumers and businesses.
The 700 MHz band could also play an important role in expanding coverage because of its ability to support wider geographical reach, while higher-frequency spectrum can provide additional capacity for high-demand areas.
5G expansion supports Ghana’s digital transformation
The policy shift comes as Ghana continues to expand its digital infrastructure and seek greater access to advanced telecommunications services.
Beyond faster mobile connections, 5G infrastructure can support a broader range of digital applications across businesses and public services, including cloud-based services, connected devices and other data-intensive technologies.
By opening additional spectrum to competitive allocation and allowing operators to pursue independent network investments, Ghana is seeking to create a telecommunications market capable of supporting the next phase of its digital transformation.
The success of the new framework will ultimately depend on effective spectrum management, continued infrastructure investment and the ability of operators to translate increased competition into wider and more reliable connectivity across the country.
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